Gerhard Erdmann from the Steel Employers’ Association emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions with labor unions to address the impending job losses, particularly in regions like Duisburg-Niederrhein, where 10,000 positions are at risk. The industry is transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to more sustainable technologies, yet this shift may lead to a net loss of 30,000 to 40,000 jobs across the sector. Erdmann advocates for proactive measures, including employment bridges and tax incentives for affected workers, to mitigate the socio-economic impact of this transformation.